What are the program prerequisite courses? Can I complete the prerequisite courses at the community college?

Elementary Statistics is a prerequisite course requirement for the MSN program. The Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Nurse Practitioner specialties also require a basic course in nutrition. Both courses may be taken at a university or community college.

What is the GPA requirement?

The GPA requirement is 3.0.

Am I required to submit my health requirement information by the application deadline?

The Health Requirement Information is not required at the time of applciation. However, all information will be due by a specified date if accepted to the program. Failure to comply will void the admission offer.Health Requirements

How do I determine if my degree from another country is equivalent to a US Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree?

Applicants who have earned a degree outside the United States are required to have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Services. (A course-by-course evaluation is recommended.)

Can I attend the program on a part-time basis?

Full-time or part-time enrollment is available. Students who attend full time complete the MSN degree in one or two years depending upon the specialty selected. Students who attend part time usually complete the degree in two to three years.

Choosing a specialty area is an important decision and should be made with great care as you may NOT be allowed to change a given specialty once admitted. Applicants are expected to research the roles extensively before choosing an area of specialization. Speaking with or shadowing clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and nursing administrators is a critical step in your research. Applicants are expected to articulate in writing and conversation why they are applying to a specific specialty.

Can I work while attending the program?

The majority of nurses in the MSN program work while in the program.

When are classes offered? Is there a distance format?

The MSN Program is a campus-based program. Students come to campus one to two days a week for class depending upon the specialty selected. Clinical intensive programs, such as the Nurse Practitioner programs, will require two or more days of class. In addition, students need to plan an extra day or days for clinical.

Where are the clinical placements? Are students responsible for finding their own clinical sites?

In the Master of Science in Nursing program, clinical experiences are tailored to meet the learning objectives of the program and of the individual student. Registered Nurses in the Clinical Nurse Leader program have clinical leadership practicums in a variety of healthcare settings in San Diego. Health Care Informatics students are placed with informatics experts in a variety of healthcare and health related technology settings. Clinical Nurse Specialist students have clinical experiences with clinical nurse specialists and physicians, usually in hospital settings. Executive Nurse Leader students have preceptors who are in health care administration settings in hospitals and community agencies. Students in the Nurse Practitioner program have the majority of their clinical experiences with nurse practitioners and physicians in primary care settings. These preceptors work in a variety of settings including HMOs, Medical Centers, Community Clinics, and private practices. There are currently over 400 preceptors available to students in the various programs. The Clinical Placement Coordinator consults with each MSN student regarding placement requests and then arranges clinical placements.